The Four Most Important Documents for Estate Planning
Regardless
of your age or financial status, you should have an estate plan to protect
yourself, your family and your assets while you are still alive and after your
death.
How to Replace Vital Documents
Fortunately, you can replace most important personal
records. Use these links as a starting point.
How Long to Keep Documents
Most people hold onto boxes full of financial documents, tax
returns and pay stubs they no longer need. And they don't always keep the
records they do need.
Here are guidelines on what documents you need to keep, and for how long.
Here are guidelines on what documents you need to keep, and for how long.
Where and How to Store Personal Documents
You should carefully consider your options when it comes to
deciding how to store personal documents and records. You must always
balance two factors: security versus ease of access in an emergency. Both
are important, but often people privilege security over ease of access - which
can cause major problems when a document is needed immediately.
Emergency Binder for Important Documents
Just because you're a good record-keeper doesn't mean you're a
good safe-keeper of documents. For example, maybe you file papers into folders
and lock them in a cabinet.
Estate Planning Checklist to Get Your Estate in Order
One of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones is an organized estate. The time you spend now will help your loved ones to cope later, and also will ensure your wishes will be carried out. Here is a simplified checklist to help you get started on organizing your estate.Read more
Printable Financial Organizer Templates
The following are printable financial organizer templates on
Excel which can be downloaded free from Microsoft's site.
Essential Documents for Seniors with Dementia
It is essential to draw up advance-planning documents while
you still have the decision-making capacity to do so. These documents can help
ensure that all your financial and medical wishes are carried out, which is
especially important with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. If you don't
have the appropriate documents, a court can appoint a guardian for you.
How Long to Keep Records
The following guidelines will assist
you in determining what records you should keep and how long to keep records.
Must Have Documents for Every Adult
In addition to a will, there are four
additional must-have legal documents that all adults should have:
Basic Emergency Binder
Too often, we allow the busyness of everyday life to postpone preparing for
life’s most unexpected—and significant—events, which can include accidents,
emergency hospitalizations, or worse.
How Long to Keep Tax Records
The length of time you should keep a tax document depends on
the action, expense, or event the document records. Generally, you must keep
your records that support an item of income or deductions on a tax return until
the period of limitations for that return runs out.
The 3 Most Important Documents Every Parent Should Have for Their 18 Year Old Child
Did you know that once your child turns 18, your legal rights as a parent end?
Legally, you do not have the right to look at their grades or talk to their
doctors if there is a medical issue.